Over 150 community, governmental and business leaders gathered at Lenore's Table at the First Baptist Church yesterday as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce honored 10 outstanding members at our 2016 Small Business of the Year Awards -- Presented by TD Bank.

"With 60,000 small businesses in Fort Lauderdale, small businesses account for about $13 billion in payroll and 25,000 new jobs. They have been a huge reason unemployment in Broward County is at a low of 4.4%." said City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, highlighted the impact of small businesses and the instrumental role they play in the economic development of the city, county, region and state.

This year there were 27 Small Businesses vying for the honor of Small Business of the Year in three categories. After careful and difficult deliberation (the applications this year were outstanding!) three recipients were selected from each category. We also selected our Small Business Person of the Year, who will represent the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce at the Broward County Small Business Person of the Year Awards on May 25th. Tickets are now available for the Broward County Council of Chamber's event and is open to all Chamber members. For more information, contact Doug Frens at 954.462.2570 or doug@ftlchamber.com.